SUBHASH MISHRA
Ranchi, Feb 17: Nearly a month after the Jharkhand State Health Services Association (JSHSA) elections concluded, Dr. Sidheswar Baskey, a candidate for the convener post, has alleged irregularities in the polling process. He has lodged a formal complaint with Chief Minister Hemant Soren and Health Minister Dr. Irfan Ansari regarding the matter.
Dr. Baskey pointed out a major technical flaw in the elections, stating that the nomination papers were issued for the 2024-26 term, whereas the elections were conducted for the 2025-27 period. He further alleged that a syndicate influenced the election process, strategically placing its preferred medical officers in key positions.
Awaiting Response from Authorities
“I have submitted a written complaint to the chief minister, health minister, and JSHSA chief election commissioner, Dr. Lal Majhi, highlighting the irregularities. However, I have not yet received any response from them,” said Dr. Baskey.
Dr. Baskey, currently posted at the Ranchi Civil Surgeon’s office, contested the JSHSA state convener post and secured 213 votes. The election was won by Dr. Sharad Kumar from Deoghar, who received 822 votes, while another candidate, Dr. Santosh Kumar from Ranchi, finished third with 122 votes.
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Election Commissioner Denies Allegations
Responding to the allegations, JSHSA chief election commissioner Dr. Lal Majhi, who serves as Deputy Director of Health, refuted Dr. Baskey’s claims. He asserted that had any candidate raised concerns before the nomination paper scrutiny, the election process could have been halted. He also denied receiving any official protest from Dr. Baskey.
“The nomination papers were indeed for the 2025-27 tenure. If someone circulated 2024-26 on WhatsApp, I am unaware of it. The elections for the convener and other posts were conducted in a fair and transparent manner,” Dr. Majhi stated.
Formation of a New Association
Amid the controversy, Dr. Baskey, who enjoys significant support in East and West Singhbhum, has established the Jharkhand Medical Association (JMA). The new association aims to work for the welfare of all government doctors in the state.
“This is not a rival organization to JSHSA or IMA. I believe in the concept of ‘One Nation, One Association.’ My association includes doctors from all disciplines—Allopathy, AYUSH, Unani, and Homeopathy—creating a unified platform for medical professionals dedicated to patient care,” Dr. Baskey clarified.
Dismissing speculation that JMA was formed due to his election loss, he argued that both JSHSA and IMA had failed to meet the expectations of medical professionals. Hence, he took the initiative to establish a body that could better serve the interests of doctors.
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JMA Convention Planned After Holi
Dr. Baskey announced that JMA’s first convention would be held in Ranchi after the Holi festival. Membership drives are currently underway across all districts, and a formal committee will be constituted once the process is completed. Receipts for membership are being issued to ensure proper documentation of the new association’s structure and reach.
